STRETFORD first team needed a six off the last ball to beat high-flying Stand, but the ball fell inches short.

Their weekend did not get any better on Sunday as they lost by two wickets in the cup to Prestwich despite an excellent performance from Steven Green.

On Saturday, Stand were 81-4 before a partnership of 72 between Chandi Kumara (82) and Stuart Catterall (26) set them on the way to 206-8.

Green was the pick of the bowlers with 3-95.

Sharp and Ibrar Latif (both 41) also shared a partnership of 72 before three quick wickets left the score at 121-5.

Lower order all got starts but were struck by two suicidal run outs to finish on 203-8.

On Sunday, at Prestwich Stretford made a good start, the innings slowed in the middle and then a partial recovery led Stretford’s total to 219.

Green (79), Ibrar Latif (26) Umer Khan (31). Greens innings was a revelation, featuring superb straight drives.

Prestwich got off to a flyer and were 152-2 off 14 thanks to generous bowling and 112 from 52 balls from Ryan Stanbury.

Good second spells from Danie Van Schoor and Steven amongst others dragged it back, but it ended with a two wicket win for Prestwich. Munir Khan taking three wickets again for Stretford.

A very inexperienced Stretford second team lost by five and seven wickets respectively, but the highlight was 14-year-old Joe Weems who top-scored in both games with 35 and 25.

Next weekend Stretford play Woodbank, first team away while the third team play Ashton Sunday and Monday, the Monday game being a cup match.